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Highlands school 'pulled together' to win prestigious national award

The only school in our area to win in 2022, St. Francis of Assisi administrators says the award is especially validating on the tail end of the pandemic.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The past two years have been tough on so many different professions.

As a teacher, student or administrator, it's validating to learn you've been awarded a National Blue Ribbon from the Department of Education.  

Only one school in Kentuckiana was given the award in 2022, and they're nestled in the Highlands, bumped up against Bardstown Road.

Inside St. Francis of Assisi, the accomplishment isn't taken lightly by the eighth graders. The classroom was preparing paragraphs about what winning the award means on the tail end of an incredibly difficult year.

"Being part of a blue ribbon school means staying confident during hard times," eighth grader Emory Cox said.

"Patience, respect and perseverance we pass on to the school... it shows how much we really work towards excellence, "Ellie Jones said.

Credit: Hayley Minogue

"Giving your best when no one else is," Mariah Peterson said. "It means to not only work for your teachers but also work for yourself."

"One that is often dismissed as being wholly benign, has shone through with the aids of vigor, perseverance, and support," Grady Amick concluded.

It's an impressive response to the win, but not unexpected from a group of students who are winning their second blue ribbon while part of this student body.

A blue ribbon is awarded to a school based on overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps.

"We certainly don't see this as an end, but as a beginning," Principal Steve Frommeyer said.

In his 10th year at St. Francis, Frommeyer is also celebrating his second blue ribbon in his time at the school. A long time educator, he recognizes the significance of this award, especially on the tail end of a pandemic, but gives all the credit to the entire school community.

"We've been through some hard times," he began. "People have still pulled together and stuck with us. I think, you can't underscore the value of people working together and community building in terms of success."

Only 24 private schools in the country made the list this year. For more on the award and how schools are judged, you can click this link. 

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